Days Gone is the ambitious action game from Sony Bend, and it's heading to PS4 very soon. As preparation is key to surviving in a post-apocalyptic world, we've put together this FAQ in order to answer any lingering questions you may have about this upcoming title. While the game is still a few months away, plenty of information has been made available -- here's all the important answers you need.

What is the release date for Days Gone?

Days Gone is set to release exclusively on PS4 on 26th April, 2019.

Are there any pre-order bonuses for Days Gone?

Pre-order any version of Days Gone and you'll receive early access to the Drifter Crossbow weapon. You'll also get some upgrades for your bike, including enhancements for the fuel tank, nitrious, and shroud. If you pre-order digitally via the PlayStation Store, you'll also get a dynamic theme for your PS4.

Is there a Days Gone collector's edition?

There are a couple of special edition versions of the game available to pre-order. The digital deluxe edition on the PlayStation Store includes a digital artbook, soundtrack, three extra skins for your bike, and an additional skill unlock and dynamic theme.

A physical collector's edition is also available. It includes a steelbook case, artbook, soundtrack, a patch, some pins, a few digital goodies, and a statue.

When will Days Gone's pre-load begin?

If you pre-order Days Gone digitally on PlayStation Store, you'll have the option to pre-load the game, meaning you can download it ahead of time to ensure it's installed prior to launch. Pre-load is live right now.

Is Days Gone open world?

Yes, Days Gone is set in an open world map based on the state of Oregon. You'll be able to traverse the post-apocalyptic world via Deacon's motorbike.

Who are the characters of Days Gone?

The game stars Deacon St. John, a bounty hunter struggling to survive in a post-apocalyptic Oregon. He and his best friend, Boozer, roam the state in search of shelter, sustenance, and anything they can find to help them on their way. We also know about Deacon's wife, Sarah, who we'll get to know through flashbacks before the Freakers arrived.

Who plays Deacon in Days Gone?

Deacon St. John is played by Sam Witwer, an actor who's found success across movies, television, and video games. He played Lt. Crashdown in Battlestar Galactica, Neil Perry in Dexter, and Aidan in Being Human. In the world of games, he has a recurring role as the voice of Emperor Palpatine and Darth Maul in various Star Wars titles.

Can you upgrade and customise Deacon's motorbike in Days Gone?

Deacon's drifter bike is your sole mode of transportation, so you need to take care of it as you explore the open world. You'll need to fix any damage, top it up with fuel, and keep it safe from thieves and scavengers. Upgrading and customising the motorcycle will be integral to survival -- you're able to enhance various aspects of the bike to make it more reliable.

It also acts as a mobile save point, and can carry limited amounts of extra equipment, so it's an essential tool you'll need to manage in Days Gone.

What are the Freakers and enemies in Days Gone?

Freakers are the zombie-like creatures that pose a threat in Days Gone. They're infected and mutated humans that will attack you on sight. Sometimes you'll only need to deal with a few at a time, but they also roam the open world in hordes, which can number in the hundreds.

There are various types of Freaker that you'll have to take on. Swarmers are the most common, roaming around in smaller packs or giant hordes. Newts are smaller enemies that'll target you when you're low on health. Screamers will alert other Freakers to your presence, and Breakers are tank-like brutes.

However, you'll also have to deal with human enemies, wolves, bears, and no doubt other wildlife.

What do you do in Days Gone?

Days Gone is an open world survival game, so you'll be traversing the infested state of Oregon, carrying out missions, and fending off dozens of Freakers. A large part of the gameplay will centre around Deacon's motorbike, which will be your sole vehicle for getting around the world. You'll need to look after it, as you won't get another one, and you can't summon it to your side, so ensuring it's safe and well maintained will be important. You can carry out jobs for encampments to build up trust, while there are Freaker nests and bandit camps to clear out.

How long is the story in Days Gone?

The developer has estimated that it'll take you roughly 30 hours or so to get through Days Gone. However, as this is an open world title, your actual play time will vary depending on how much you explore outside of the main story beats.

Is there crafting in Days Gone?

Yes, crafting will be a big part of the gameplay. You'll be able to craft medicine, weapons, upgrades, and other useful items from resources you gather in the open world.

Can you fast travel in Days Gone?

Yes, but you have to earn it. Fast travel points on the map start off as Freaker nests, and you'll need to destroy them before you can use them to efficiently move around the world.

Is there multiplayer in Days Gone?

You might think Days Gone would be a good fit for multiplayer or co-op, but we're afraid you'll be travelling Oregon alone. Days Gone is a single player only experience. Apparently, a multiplayer mode was pitched by a different studio, but Sony turned it down. There's always the possibility a multiplayer aspect could be added later, but we're not holding our breath.

Does Days Gone have a photo mode?

Yes, it's been confirmed that Days Gone will have a photo mode. It seems to be pretty robust, offering all the usual bells and whistles you'd expect. Photo mode will be in the game at launch.

Who is SIE Bend Studio?

Bend Studio goes way back with PlayStation. It's undoubtedly best known for creating the Syphon Filter series on PSone and PS2, but more recently, it also created games for Sony's handheld consoles. Resistance: Retribution on PSP and Uncharted: Golden Abyss on Vita were both received well, and it's with the ambitious Days Gone that the developer hopes to graduate onto a more modern platform.

Have you started your journey in Days Gone? Mow down some Freakers in the comments section below, and feel free to check out our other Days Gone guides:

Having grown up alongside PlayStation, Stephen has developed a wide knowledge of video games, from AAA blockbusters to the smallest indie gems. With relentless enthusiasm, eclectic taste, and a passion for writing, he’s always on the lookout for the next big thing. He also has the Platinum for The Witness, so there’s that.

I like the idea of not being able to summon the motorbike. Would be cool if you can't even see it on the minimap. Could go weeks without being able to find it then suddenly stumble into it whilst searching for somewhere to take a dump.

I like these kinds of summaries, although I feel like each section could be longer...maybe link to some gameplay videos and trailers! And use more screenshots!

You shoulda also mentioned that there will also be about a dozen or so choice/moral-decision moments, like having to kill someone or let them run away! Hearing about that was a what made me really start paying attention to this game...

What if half way through the game your bike kaputs? Would you have to start over or could you slog through to the end without it? Either way I’m very interested in it and will get it day one unless it turns out to be a disaster but hopefully it won’t be.

I want this game to succeed, I really do. However, I am very skeptical. Compared to the open world games we have experienced as of late, of which are incredibly well done (AC: Odyssey, Red Dead 2, God of War kind of), this game has to have something unique driving its exploration. If not something unique, then memorable side quests that aren't fetch quests or "Oh, we lost power, we have to go to this place to turn the lights back on, and we are going to encounter zombies." Everything I've seen from the gameplay looks rather generic. Granted, most demos were pre-alpha, but I've yet to be convinced this game will be anything but a good game. I hope I'm wrong, and it turns out excellent.

i've been taking a 'wait and see' approach to days gone, as i'm still not complete sold on it. i didn't realise they were using guerrilla's decima engine though, which was used for horizon zero dawn and also for death stranding. by all accounts it looks stunning. the editor of official playstation magazine uk has played it, and picked it as one of his titles to watch out for in 2019, he said it plays well and feels really physical. i'm not keen on the reliance on the motorbike and the idea of having to care for it though. i'd probably total it into a tree after about 5 minutes, and getting around the open world on foot all the time could be a bit of a chore.

@Nerdfather1
Did you see the same mission play through with different weather? For that matter most of what they showed is either some side quest, gameplay loop or the very beginning of the game. It's mainly a story focused game so thats the main interest.(Besides the fun gameplay of course) I'd argue the bike focus is also an appeal of its own.

@JJ2 I wouldn't necessarily say AC: Odyssey is unique, but I thought the side characters and their quests were memorable. They all had their own personality, and their quests molded around them that made sense in terms of their character and how you handled them. They just had depth and layers, unlike many open-world games that feature side quests. Sure, there were your fetch quests (message board stuff), but there were great stories outside of the main story that made a lasting impression.

@Nerdfather1Yea AC gameplay never really clicked with me so they look more of the same but upgraded from the previous entry to me. Anyway Days Gone is definitely a Tps and closer to RDR though smaller in scope but with better, faster gameplay imho.

I beat HZD Three times on max difficulty, and still loved the poo outta it. I played Dying Light as well, and excited for a little of both together kind of feel. Sony makes amazing exclusives and this might be my 2nd favorite zombie game after The Last of Us.

Er, they did it on Unreal Engine 4 right? But in all seriousness, this should be a good game but I can’t help thinking it would have been better on one of the many PS4 tailored game engines that Sony studios are know for. Nobody has still confirmed yet what resolution this game is going to run at on a standard PS4 console.

This honestly looks like the most paint-by-numbers game imaginable. Zombies, gruff dad, fridged wife, open-world survival. Boxes checked. We've seen all this so many times before. Maybe this'll be the best version of some of those elements, but I wish they'd taken some kind of creative risk. As is, the main selling point of this game seems to be "Hey, you like this kind of game right? Wanna buy another? I guess the hordes are pretty big..."